Vietnamese independent artist, songwriter and producer Kiey returns with his third studio album, METROMIRAGE, a project that fuses introspective songwriting with production informed by global pop sensibilities. The album positions Kiey among a new wave of Vietnamese artists whose reach extends beyond the local scene. Across the record, blue-hued visuals, a consistent sense of optimism and a diverse sonic palette emerge, weaving together elements of pop, R&B, electronic music and alternative songwriting. The focus remains on atmosphere, precise lyrical detail and intentional production choices, rewarding repeated listens with new layers.
The lead single, ‘fun fiction’, featuring Vietnamese singer-songwriter Cece Trương, encapsulates this direction. Acoustic textures blend with R&B and electro-pop lines, anchored by a laid-back rhythmic foundation that foregrounds the songwriting. The track channels a city-pop sensibility, with lyrics evoking late nights in Shinjuku, intimacy and the feeling of being carried by another. Originally written entirely in English, its live rendition adopts the Killing Voice format, centering on vocal performance and musicianship. Elsewhere, ‘white boy i sat next to on a plane’ leans into understated electronic production, piano-driven pop and smooth R&B, with restrained lead vocals and layered harmonies that maintain an intimate, understated tone. ‘plan thiet’ remains sparse, focusing on piano and close-mic vocals, the delivery soft yet unwavering, allowing the arrangement to breathe.
Kiey oversaw both music production and visual direction, dedicating significant time to refining mixes, rehearsals and nuanced production choices. The visuals for ‘fun fiction’ were crafted to align with the album’s cohesive aesthetic. The interplay of direct songwriting with contemporary pop, R&B and electronic influences signals a third-album evolution aimed at international audiences, reflecting the growing recognition of Vietnam’s independent music scene.
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